Requirements

Education

All applicants are required to have a bachelor's degree from an accredited United States college or university.

Prerequisite coursework 

To meet prerequisite requirements for admission and to gain necessary background for the study of dentistry, the following minimum education requirements must be completed before matriculation in the dental program at the University of Utah School of Dentistry:

Recommended Courses

The recommended courses are counted towards elective credits and include the following:

• Business
• Cell biology
• Communications
• Computer science
• Ethics
• Histology
• Immunology
• Molecular biology/genetics
• Additional biology, chemistry and/or physics courses
• 3-Dimensional art

Job Shadowing

80 hours minimum required; we recommend shadowing a minimum of four different dentists.

GPA Requirements

The minimum GPA requirement for acceptance is 3.0 (cumulative and science). 

Dental Admission Test (DAT)

All applicants are required to take the DAT and submit scores via AADSAS. To be considered for admission, a minimum score of 17 in every section of the DAT is required. The average of current students is 22 for academic average and perceptual average, and 21 for total science. Test application information and procedures can be found on the ADA website. Submitted DAT scores must represent results achieved within the last 3 years.

Physical Ability Requirements

Applicants must be able to perform physical and manual functions, with reasonable accommodations, necessary to the performance of dentistry.

Letters of Recommendation

Must submit three letters via AADSAS.

• Two letters from science instructors who taught you in a classroom setting and assigned a grade
• One letter from a college/university committee, a non-science instructor, dental professional, employer, supervisor or clergy member
• If desired, you may submit an optional fourth letter attesting to character and fitness for the profession of dentistry

Advanced Standing and Transfer Applications

The University of Utah School of Dentistry currently does not accept transfer students or participate in an advanced standing program.

Residency

The University of Utah accepts United States citizens or permanent residents. Our program does not allow students to change their residency status after applying.